“Two reasons, really,” Rezkin replied. “The second was because I needed to study you. I knew, of course, about your military exploits and political maneuverings within the court, of which you have very few, by the way, for a man of your standing. What I did not know is what kind of man you are personally and where your true loyalties lie.”

The general scowled, “I am the general of the army of Ashai. My loyalties are to the kingdom, of course.”

“I do not doubt that, but there are many interpretations of what is best for the kingdom,” Rezkin remarked.

General Marcum scoffed. “What was the first reason, then?”

“Frisha,” Rezkin stated.

“What is your interest in my niece, Sword Bearer?” Marcum asked with hostility.

Rezkin sighed. “I have told you, General, my intentions toward Frisha are pure. She is my friend, and as such, I will protect and honor her. Both Frisha and her father recognize you as her guardian until the time she marries. Therefore, I must respect you as such. I had hoped to give you the opportunity to know me before you received that letter. Unfortunately, it seems your suspicions instilled within you an immediate dislike, which I have been unable to assuage despite my efforts to put your mind at ease.”

The general laughed. “Of course I am suspicious. Anyone with any intelligence would not believe your story. You claim to be a commoner, but it is obvious you were raised as nobility. If you desire someone’s trust, you should start with being honest, or at the very least become a better liar.”

Rezkin cocked his head and replied, “I have never lied to you, General. While there is much I will not disclose, I have always been honest in what I have told you. I assure you that if I wanted to imitate some persona, whether noble or commoner, I could do so flawlessly. I never claimed to be a commoner. I simply stated that I am not a noble. Since I left my home, I have only endeavored to be myself.”

“If you are neither commoner nor noble, then all that is left is royalty, and you are certainly not King Caydean or Prince Thresson,” General Marcum said, but in his mind the alternatives were sprouting thick roots.

“Why must I be either?” Rezkin questioned.

“Everyone has a place. You must be something,” the general remarked.

“You have seen my papers, General. I am Rezkin. Just Rezkin.”

The general grunted. “So you are.” After a moment’s pause Marcum finally said, “Let us get to the point, Rezkin. What do you want?”

Rezkin pondered the question. “Hmm, I cannot say what I want, but I can say what is necessary. You see, someone in this kingdom has a very dangerous enemy, and I need to know who it is.”

“Who? This someone or the enemy?” asked the general.

“Oh, I know who the enemy is,” Rezkin replied.